Huck Finn's America: Mark Twain and the Era That Shaped His Masterpiece

Interesting look at Huck Finn in the context of life in the author's world. Twain loved minstrel shoes as a boy and became a champion of civil rights in the 1880s, but never lost his fondness for an art form that fell precipitously from public favor. Seems entirely consistent with a fantastic novel that is a bit messy in parts.

The Last Thing He Wanted

Picked this up at the library when Play it as it Lays was out. Beautifully economic writing cannot save an implausible story. Learned later that this was her last book, and not considered among her best by any means.

Black Lamb and Grey Falcon

Been meaning to read this doorstop since 1997. Has lost some of its currency, but the history is interesting, the writing superb and there is much that still speaks to issues in the former Yugoslavia today.